01 Sep 2025

From 9–12 September 2025, Windhoek will host a vibrant celebration of young minds as learners from all 14 regions of Namibia gather at the NUST Engineering Basement for the grand finale of the National Science Fair, National Science Quiz, and the Namibia Mathematics Olympiad. These flagship events, hosted by the National Commission on Research, Science and Technology (NCRST), promise to ignite curiosity, showcase talent, and inspire future careers in science and innovation.

As Platinum Sponsor for the third consecutive year, Debmarine Namibia is proud to stand behind this initiative that continues to grow in reach and impact. Our commitment to these events is rooted in our belief that investing in STEAM—Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics—is investing in Namibia’s future.

This year, the numbers speak volumes:

• 150 learners will compete in the National Science Fair
• 84 learners will battle it out in the Mathematics Olympiad
• 39 learners will test their knowledge in the National Science Quiz
• A total of 54 judges will lend their expertise to ensure fair and rigorous evaluation

The journey to this finale has been nothing short of inspiring. Over 6,712 learners participated in Round 1 of the Mathematics Olympiad, with representation from every region. Namibia’s talent shone brightly on the continental stage at the Pan African Mathematics Olympiad in Botswana, where one learner earned a medal, three received fully funded scholarships to the African Olympiad Academy, and four proudly represented Namibia at the International Mathematics Olympiad in Australia.

Meanwhile, the National Science Fair was launched nationwide, engaging learners at school and circuit levels, supported by 110 trained judges to uphold consistent standards. The National Science Quiz saw 4,855 learners participate in its first round, demonstrating the growing enthusiasm for science-based learning.

At Debmarine Namibia, science and innovation are not just buzzwords, they are the backbone of our business. Recovering marine diamonds from the depths of the Atlantic Ocean requires cutting-edge technology, rigorous research, and a highly skilled workforce. Our custom-built vessels operate in environments where visibility is limited and precision is paramount. This is why we invest heavily in developing our own talent pipeline through bursaries, trainee programmes, and long-term development initiatives.

“We face a real challenge: a shortage of qualified professionals in marine recovery and related fields. Supporting platforms like these national science events helps us nurture the next generation of scientists, engineers, and thinkers who will one day lead Namibia’s maritime and technological industries,” said Debmarine Namibia Chief Executive Officer, Willy Mertens.

He added, “STEAM, in particular, teaches the learners how to think critically and solve problems, skills that are essential in our line of work. Investing in competitions like these spark curiosity and confidence in learners, encouraging them to pursue careers that will not only benefit our company but also strengthen Namibia’s global competitiveness.”  We salute NCRST and all corporate sponsors and every learner, teacher involved in this year’s events. Together, we are building a brighter, smarter future, one equation, one experiment, one question at a time.